Orchestra teachers' repertoire selection practices : a survey study

Abstract

The purpose of this survey study was to examine repertoire selection practices among middle and high school string orchestra directors. Through an online survey, orchestra teachers (N = 96) provided information about their most recent selection of literature. The survey obtained demographic information as well as identified criteria and procedures used by orchestra teachers in selecting repertoire. Teachers in this survey rated pedagogical and musical criteria as being highly influential to their repertoire selection practices. The three factors most frequently reported as affecting repertoire selection decisions were found to be technical considerations within the music, the ability and limitations of the ensemble, and instrumental performance skills that can be taught through the music. The three most frequently reported sources for finding new repertoire were found to be conversations with other directors and mentor teachers, looking through your school’s library, and lists of recommended literature for contest or competition. Several mild yet significant correlations were found between teacher experience and responses to repertoire selection practices items. Teachers can use these findings in mentoring less experienced teachers as well as to guide their own practice for selecting repertoire for their ensembles.